Hovseter 104-plassen is a park, public space and playground, and a strategy in the ongoing area commitment Hovseterløftet, on the initiative of district administration Bydel Vestre Aker, Oslo.

In 2017 Rodeo arranged and facilitated meetings and workshops with the population and municipality of Hovseter.

The background was Hovseter’s challenges regarding public health and poverty, and its need of better public space and meeting places. The municipality stressed the importance of offering better facilities for children and youth.

As a district, Bydel Vestre Aker faces bigger internal income inequality than the rest of Oslo. But the “poor” area in a “rich” city district has a diverse population representing great resources and potential. One goal for the project was to work out ideas and future scenarios strengthening the Hovseter-identity: positive belonging, less stigma, more social capital.

Rodeo found that the park and playground 104-plassen functioned as an axis for mobility, activities and social meetings. An upgrade of its current state would give an immediate impact, and also symbolize a first step in the bigger, ongoing area commitment.

The 104-plassen is a nice public space surrounded by tall trees offering comfortable sun/shadow possibilities. A walking path goes across the area as a much used shortcut. A new playground was constructed, including new swings, balance-line and colorful balance balls, and a zone for trampolines.

In addition to activities for small children, the neighbors requested various places to stop and stay for youth and adults – both as a space in itself, but also for watching younger siblings play. For this, Rodeo suggested amphi-stairs in concrete in the northside hill of the park. Three “lighthouses” – sheltered benches – are positioned between the trees, offering a broad view on the rest of the park.

The park and playground 104-plassen was officially opened by the Hovseter children in August 2018.

Hovseter 104-plassen is a park, public space and playground, and a strategy in the ongoing area commitment Hovseterløftet, on the initiative of district administration Bydel Vestre Aker, Oslo.

In 2017 Rodeo arranged and facilitated meetings and workshops with the population and municipality of Hovseter.

The background was Hovseter’s challenges regarding public health and poverty, and its need of better public space and meeting places. The municipality stressed the importance of offering better facilities for children and youth.

As a district, Bydel Vestre Aker faces bigger internal income inequality than the rest of Oslo. But the “poor” area in a “rich” city district has a diverse population representing great resources and potential. One goal for the project was to work out ideas and future scenarios strengthening the Hovseter-identity: positive belonging, less stigma, more social capital.

Rodeo found that the park and playground 104-plassen functioned as an axis for mobility, activities and social meetings. An upgrade of its current state would give an immediate impact, and also symbolize a first step in the bigger, ongoing area commitment.

The 104-plassen is a nice public space surrounded by tall trees offering comfortable sun/shadow possibilities. A walking path goes across the area as a much used shortcut. A new playground was constructed, including new swings, balance-line and colorful balance balls, and a zone for trampolines.

In addition to activities for small children, the neighbors requested various places to stop and stay for youth and adults – both as a space in itself, but also for watching younger siblings play. For this, Rodeo suggested amphi-stairs in concrete in the northside hill of the park. Three “lighthouses” – sheltered benches – are positioned between the trees, offering a broad view on the rest of the park.

The park and playground 104-plassen was officially opened by the Hovseter children in August 2018.